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For those looking to truly wind down in the heart of Tuscany, we suggest choosing a location that is strategic to local towns you would like to visit, in addition to fabulous places where you can wind down because a vacation doesn’t feel like one if you are constantly on-the-go. Luckily, for those looking for something private yet accessible, we have two villas available for rent in the province of Siena (19 kilometers from the…

Tuscany is well-known for rolling hills with cypress-lined lanes, hill-top Renaissance towns and wonderful food – but the markets are also some of the best in Italy. From Arezzo to Florence, there is something for everyone in this varied region. Whether it be antiques, books, organic foodstuffs, vintage clothing, or even for Christmas – you can guarantee to find something you like here. Since there are more than we can list today, we categorized our…

Imagine being immersed in the center of Florence, in the largest privately owned garden in Europe, situated within city boundaries. You can find it between Via del Campuccio, Via de ‘Serragli and the stretch of wall that runs along the Viale Francesco Petrarca. Rife with masonic symbology with an esoteric feel, the neo-gothic tower with a stone-spiral staircase is the most visible symbol of this hidden find that we are pretty sure many who visit Florence know nothing…

Florence belongs to humanity.. It all starts with Gian Gastone in 1737, the last Grand Duke of the Medici Dynasty and one that most people have never even heard of is wasting away in the grand Palazzo Pitti. Sure, Lorenzo, the art-lover is well known with his crooked nose a common portrait found in town and of course the illustrious Cosimo. But the end is sort of where this story actually begins. The history of Florence…

“Nothing makes the future look so rosy as to contemplate it through a glass of Chambertin.” ― Napoleon Bonaparte The region of Tuscany is full of surprises when it comes to accommodation options staying in a castle is entirely possible. One such option is the lovely 11th century Castello di Volognano, a medieval abode only twenty minutes from Florence in the lovely Valdarno hills with room with six-bedrooms, a beautiful pool and its very own wine cellar.…

For those who think that Tuscany is limited to sprawling landscapes and charming hill-top towns, think again. Besides an extensive coastline, there is much to experience in this vast region that we adore so much. One of which are the abundance of options for those who enjoy a thermal hot spring experience, which also happens to offer a range of benefits for the skin and body. Personally, we love organizing a day with our girlfriends…

Getting married in off-season is increasingly becoming a conscious choice by discerning brides who can appreciate a different feel on their wedding day. Which in our opinion, is no less elegant and romantic than tying the knot in high summer. If anything it can be even more ethereal experience. Intermingling a creative use of light and floral — a winter wedding could be the talk of the season (in a good way). We came up…

Almost one year ago, on a very quick decision made over MANY cups of tea at La Rosa Canina Lab in Florence, we decided to leave for a fast 2 weeks in Cape Town. The result was 2 weeks of maniac work at the desk of hour house on the beach of Big Bay and 3 inspirational shooting the we simply love! And so many of the blogs we have submitted them and published them!…

Imagine emerging from a vacation not only relaxed, but actually refreshed. Often when we travel, and we are just as guilty for forgetting that very concept, rushing to the next best spot and checking off something new on our bucket list. For first timers to Italy, this happens all too often — excited travelers can turn weary quite quickly. Why not imagine a different kind of vacation, where rejuvenation starts with yoga and a cultural…

If you’re headed to Tuscany this autumn, go ahead and pat yourself in the back. In addition to less crowds, cooler weather and fun seasonal events – visiting during this time of year means you have access to something Italians (and well anyone really) cherish more than anything. Truffles and Porcini mushrooms, the ‘gold standard’ of local cuisine during this period, together with Alba in Piedmont, Tuscany is also quite famous for excellent truffles. One…